After a two-year hiatus, NAMIWalk New Hampshire, the state’s largest mental health and suicide prevention awareness event, returns in person on Saturday. This is the 20th walk in the state for the grassroots organization.
Executive Director of NAMI NH Susan Stearns said it’s an opportunity for people to connect with each other and feel that they are not alone.
“We have an obligation as a community to come together and ensure people have the care they need and to care for each other,” Stearns said.
The 5K walk begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday from the soccer fields at Memorial Field on South Fruit Street. There is a shorter route available for those with mobility issues. Aside from information on mental health, games will be organized for children. On Sunday, there will be a virtual event for those who cannot attend in person.
This year’s fundraising target is $200,000 and NAMI has already raised $178,000. They are $40,000 ahead of last year’s collection. The funds raised will be utilized to provide free mental health and suicide support, education, and advocacy to Granite Staters.
“I’m just humbled by folks who give large and small gifts because they really add up,” she said. “I think it really speaks to the fact that the conversation is changing around mental health.”
Stearns said mental healthcare professionals with whom NAMI collaborates in the state report an increase in the number of young adults, adolescents, and children seeking services. She said the number of children in the emergency department used to be low and in the single digits. Based on the most current update to the state’s website, there are 17 children in emergency beds.
“We need to continue to invest in community-based and school-based services for children, get people’s support and resources earlier on and try and avoid needing that level of care,” she said.
Stearns hopes the walk will help bring mental health and suicide out of the shadows and encourage families and individuals to seek help.
If you’d like to participate, go to NAMIWalks.org and sign up free.
Get help If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
■N.H. Community Behavioral Health is an organization comprised of 10 community mental health centers and serves as an advocate for a strong mental health system across the state. Call 225-6633.
■Riverbend Community Mental Health provides behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families. Call 228-1600.
■NAMI N.H. is a grassroots organization of and for people of all ages, their families and friends who are affected by mental illness. Through NAMI N.H., you’ll meet other individuals and family members who have struggled with mental illness. Call 225-5359.
■The NH Rapid Response Access Point provides residents with 24-hour access to mental health and/or substance use crisis support. Call 833-710-6477.
